Become engaged
Teachers have opportunities to have their say in education policy
Pondering the possibilities
Teachers with expertise in special education and gifted and talented education met at Barnett House on March 17 to review and provide feedback to proposed directions for special education in Alberta. Pictured here, Andrew Finlay and Dorothy Arts cast e-votes for proposed changes to special education policy. More information about Setting the Directions for Special Education Phase 2 is available at www.settingthedirection.alberta.ca.—Photo by Koni Macdonald
Teachers are encouraged to participate in two Alberta government initiatives relating to education—Phase II of Setting the Direction for Special Education in Alberta, and Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans.
Setting the Direction for Special Education in Alberta—Phase II
Phase II of Alberta Education’s Setting the Direction for Special Education project is designed to gather public feedback on possible policy directions. Feedback will inform the development of a policy framework for special education, which will be presented at the minister’s forum in Edmonton, June 8 and 9, 2009.
The Phase II public consultation offers teachers and school principals an opportunity to respond to the 30 proposed policies and share their opinions through the online consultation or the print discussion guide. Teachers and school administrators are encouraged to visit the Setting the Direction website (www.settingthedirection.alberta.ca). The deadline for feedback is March 31, 2009.
Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans
Minister of Education Dave Hancock announced March 11 that the government will host 10 community conversations with Albertans about the future of education. The conversations will be held in 8 locations across the province in April, May and June.
Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans will engage Albertans in extensive discussions about education as a foundation for the future success of the province. The perspectives and ideas gathered through this process will be used to develop a policy framework to guide the overall direction, principles and long-term goals of education in Alberta over the next two decades.
Teachers are encouraged to register to participate in a community dialogue by visiting the Inspiring Education website (www.inspiringeducation.alberta.ca). Additional information about the Dialogue with Albertans and other opportunities for participation are posted on the website.
To volunteer to participate in a community conversation, visit the website or call 780-427-7219 (call toll free in Alberta by first dialling 310-0000). Participation in events will be through invitation, volunteering and random selection from the general population. Participants will be asked to bring their perspectives, life experiences and thoughts on the future into the dialogue.
The online dialogue and community conversation kits will be available in mid-April through the project website.
Community Conversation Sessions
April 29—Edmonton
May 6—Grande Prairie
May 13—Fort McMurray
May 20—Lethbridge
May 23—Calgary
May 27—Medicine Hat
June 3—Bonnyville
June 10—Red Deer
June 17—Calgary
June 20—Edmonton
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